<a href="http://livinghomes.net/">LivingHomes</a> announced this week that the <a href="http://www.usgbc.org/">U.S. Green Building Council</a> (USGSB) certified a three-unit multifamily project in Los Altos, California as LEED Platinum. The development, located 40 miles south of San Francisco, is the first project of its kind to earn LEED Platinum certification and it boasts excellent indoor air quality, minimal environmental impact, and an airy, minimalist design. Designed by <a href="http://www.livinghomes.net/rayKappe.html">Ray Kappe</a>, this development on the western edge of Silicon Valley shows that sustainable design and modern living are hardly mutually exclusive.

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living homes los altos

All paints and stains used were zero-VOC (volatile organic compounds). One unit has an indoor garden.

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living homes los altos

The two two-bedroom units and a studio apartment all boast comfortable outdoor decks, floor-to-ceiling glass and a design that allows maximum natural light to filter in the living spaces.

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living homes los altos

Los Altos is more known for its expensive housing than eco-friendly housing, but LivingHome’s eye-catching project is a step towards offering affordable and environmentally responsible design anywhere, in any neighborhood.

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living homes los altos

Floor-to-ceiling glass and a design that allows maximum natural light to filter into the living spaces reduces the need for electricity. All power is provided via rooftop solar panels.

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living homes los altos

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/livinghomes/">LivingHomes</a> project in Los Altos achieved the <a href="http://www.livinghomes.net/services-z6.html">“Z6” environmental goals</a> that the Santa Monica-based firm <a href="http://www.livinghomes.net/primer.html">sets</a> for all of its projects. The result is a very airy and minimalist feel.

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living homes los altos

The kitchen and bathroom surfaces are made out of recycled content instead of the standard granite slabs. All appliances are the most energy efficient available.

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living homes los altos

The building’s sustainable design is also democratic: one of the units is deeded as an affordable housing unit.

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living homes los altos

Exposed steel adds to the very modern vibe.

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living homes los altos

Best of all, the unit is within walking distance to a local shopping center, reducing the need to hop into that car for grocery store trips.

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living homes los altos

The two two-bedroom units and a studio apartment all boast comfortable outdoor decks. Wood for all of the homes is FSC certified.

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living homes los altos

LivingHomes announced this week that the U.S. Green Building Council (USGSB) certified a three-unit multifamily project in Los Altos, California as LEED Platinum. The development, located 40 miles south of San Francisco, is the first project of its kind to earn LEED Platinum certification and it boasts excellent indoor air quality, minimal environmental impact, and an airy, minimalist design. Designed by Ray Kappe, this development on the western edge of Silicon Valley shows that sustainable design and modern living are hardly mutually exclusive.